Stonington selectmen support Beautification Committee projects
Stonington — The Board of Selectmen on Wednesday approved a list of projects being proposed by the town’s Beautification Committee and heard an update on work to begin clearing out a weed-choked pond on West Vine Street.
The committee was formed earlier this year and completed its first project by sprucing up the Mystic train station.
The proposed new projects include putting up a holiday tree in Veterans Park next to the Pawcatuck River Bridge and having the Highway Department string lights on it when it puts up the other Christmas lights downtown.
Resident Eric Beverly, who owns Cedar Ridge Landscape, has offered to donate the tree. First Selectman Rob Simmons said the tree was being termed a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree because veterans are not just Christians but Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and members of other religions.
In addition, the selectmen approved the committee’s plan to put lights and garlands on the gazebo at Donahue Park and paint the light poles in downtown Pawcatuck, pending approval by Eversource.
The selectmen also approved a plan to let the committee use a highway department truck to assist in periodic cleanup of school grounds.
The committee reported that it would like to plant a new tree when a large, dying elm tree at the corner of Broadway and Willow Street in Mystic is cut down because it poses a danger.
The selectmen agreed to send a letter to neighbors about the tree and research its historic importance. A plaque affixed to the tree states: “Historic Elm. This tree is hereby designated a historic landmark to be honored and preserved for future generations. Elm Research Institute. Harrisville N.H.”
In addition, highway supervisor Tom Curioso told selectmen this week that the highway department excavated about 150 yards of material from the pond to improve the flow of water. Next week, a new pipe will be installed to further improve the flow.
Selectman Mike Spellman also recommended the highway department come up with a plan for maintenance of the pond so the problem does not recur. Neighbors have submitted a petition with 77 signatures calling on the town to address the problem. Curioso said that if more excavation is done, the town first will have to obtain a wetlands permit.
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